November 28, 2025, Ottawa, ON – Global discussions are underway to identify a potential host location for a global Defence, Security and Resilience Bank (DSRB) – a new multilateral lending institution that would transform how allied nations finance innovation, security, and resilience.

Should Canada choose to explore participation in any future process, and should such participation lead to consideration, given its unique concentration of innovation, policy, and defence leadership, the Ottawa-Gatineau region would be a top contender and an ideal location for the bank’s global headquarters.

“Canada’s Capital Region brings together innovation, technology, and national policy,” Sonya Shorey, President and CEO of Invest Ottawa and Bayview Yards said in a recent Globe and Mail article. “Anchoring the DSRB here would integrate finance into this triad.”

“This is about more than an HQ,” she added. “It’s about leadership, sovereignty, and building Canada’s future with home advantage, the full strength of our Capital Region serving our country, our Forces and our allies. The time is now. Canada’s Capital Region is the ideal home for the DSRB.”

A Global Institution with National Impact

Similar in structure to the World Bank Group, the proposed DSRB would pool sovereign capital from member nations, leverage it up to 25 times, and channel billions of dollars into the development and deployment of dual-use technologies that bolster global stability, innovation, and shared prosperity.

If headquartered in Canada’s Capital Region, the DSRB could

• Create more than 3,500 high-value jobs in defence finance, investment, and technology;
• Accelerate innovation and commercialization for Canadian defence and dual-use firms;
• Strengthen the bridge between innovation, policy, and finance;
• Leverage the region’s world-class defence innovation ecosystem; and
• Deliver billions in GDP impact to the national economy.

The DSRB would naturally support elements of Goal #8 of the region’s evolving National Defence Innovation Hub Strategy – developed through a partnership between the City of Ottawa and Invest Ottawa, to grow, attract, and maximize defence capital for homegrown firms that strengthen Canada’s sovereignty and allied collaboration.

Why Canada’s Capital Region?

Canada’s Capital Region offers an unparalleled convergence of innovation, government, and global connectivity, making it uniquely suited to serve as the DSRB’s headquarters.

• Proximity to decision-makers: The region unites Canada’s Forces, policymakers, regulators, founders, and companies within one connected ecosystem – where collaboration is real and operational.
• Established, robust defence innovation ecosystem: Home to more than 330 defence and security firms, 1,800 tech companies, 96,000 tech workers, 65+ federal labs, 4 NATO DIANA test centres (including Area X.O), and DND headquarters, the region provides the infrastructure and expertise to support a global financial institution of this scale.
• A bridge between innovation and allied procurement: With 130 embassies, 25+ NATO attachés, and 8 post-secondary institutions, the region connects investors, innovators, and defence leaders worldwide, enabling secure collaboration and rapid commercialization.

In discussing the potential impact of the DSRB during his Globe and Mail interview, Kevin Reed, President of the Defence, Security and Resilience Bank noted, “The DSRB will transform how allied nations finance innovation and resilience. It represents a generational opportunity to strengthen collective security, empower sovereign innovation, and build long-term economic resilience among partner nations.”

A Moment of Global Opportunity

Anchoring the DSRB in Canada’s Capital Region would build directly on the region’s position as a global centre for secure innovation, resilience, and collaboration – serving national interests while supporting allies across the world.

This initiative reflects a growing recognition of the Capital Region’s role as Canada’s defence innovation hub, and its capacity to connect the public, private, and financial sectors to deliver mission-critical technology solutions that protect and advance the values of freedom, security, and peace.

The time is right to explore opportunities that strengthen Canada’s innovation and security leadership. Should an international headquarters selection process be established, Canada’s Capital Region would offer the full strength of its innovation, policy and defence ecosystem.

---

• Explore Invest Ottawa’s evolving strategy for Canada’s Capital Region as a national defence innovation hub serving our country, Forces and Allies: www.dihub.ca
• Watch our strategy presentation at Ottawa City Hall.
• More about the DSRB